Exploring Black Country canals

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1. Start

Start point, cycling route: Exploring Black Country canals

Easting: 394620, Northing: 290730

2. Brierley Hill to Factory Junction (4miles / 6.4km)

This route begins at Brierley Hill, a town with many pubs, on the Dudley No.1 Canal. There are also a number of pubs along this section of the route, many with food available. Cycle along the towpath and you will come to the Dudley Tunnel, which was originally opened in 1792 to connect with the Birmingham Canal at Tipton. Near to the tunnel are Dudley Zoo and Castle, which has over 200 species of animal, including chimps, sea lions, penguins and tigers and Black Country Museum and Singing Cavern. You can not cycle through the tunnel, but can plan your route around it by using the map link above. Take care on the roads and extra care on roads without cycle lanes.
At the other end of the tunnel, there is the Malthouse Recreation Centre and just after will be Factory Junction.

Easting: 393310, Northing: 289270

3. Factory Junction to Horseley Fields Junction (5 miles / 8km)

It is at Factory Junction that you will be joining the Birmingham Canal. Turn left to cycle along the canal northwards and you will come to the Coseley Tunnel, which has a pub close to the beginning and the end. Further along you will cross paths with the Birmingham Cycleway. Continue along the towpath and you will come to Horseley Fields Junction, opposite Broad Street Basin.

Easting: 394440, Northing: 294925

4. Horseley Fields Junction to Sneyd Junction (6 miles / 9.6km)

The route continues along the Wyrley & Essington Canal, and there are quite a few pubs along this section for those who may want to stop for refreshments. You will cycle by Roughwood Country Park and then underneath the M6 motorway before arriving at Sneyd Junction.

Easting: 397500, Northing: 302500

5. Sneyd Junction to Cannock Extension Canal (6 miles / 9.6km)

Set off from Sneyd Junction along the Wyrley & Essington Canal. At Birchills Junction, you have the choice to left to continue along the canal, or to go South along the Walsall Canal. Turn right to continue along the Wyrley & Essington and, after passing a few pubs, you will see the Cannock Extension Canal on your left.

Easting: 402020, Northing: 304510

6. Cannock Extension Canal to Longwood Junction (7 miles / 11.2km)

After setting off from the Cannock Extension Canal, you will continue along the Wryley & Essington Canal for about 2 miles before following the towpath onto the Daw End Branch Canal. You will cycle through Rushall before arriving at Longwood Junction. There are around 4 pubs along this section of the route.

Easting: 403305, Northing: 300800

7. Longwood Junction to Rushall Junction (4 miles / 6.4km)

Longwood Junction is where the Daw End Branch Canal joins to the Rushall Canal. Nearby is Hayhead Nature Trail. Cycle along the towpath of the Rushall Canal and you will get to Rushall Junction. This is where the canal joins to the Tame Valley Canal. There are no pubs along this section if you needed to stop for refreshments.

Easting: 403150, Northing: 294830

8. Rushall Junction to Ocker Hill Visitor Centre (4 miles / 6.4km)

Turn right at Rushall Junction to continue the route along the Tame Valley Canal. There are quite a few bridges along this section of the route and also Hateley Heath Aqueduct. There are no pubs to stop for refreshments.

Easting: 397807, Northing: 293640

9. Ocker Hill Visitor Centre to Pudding Green Junction (2 miles / 3.2km)

Setting off from Ocker Hill Visitor Centre, you will be cycling along the Walsall Canal. Again this route has few bridges along and it also has a pub if you are in need of some refreshment. It is only a short distance to Pudding Green Junction which is where the canal meets with the Birmingham Main Line.

Easting: 398985, Northing: 290720

10. Pudding Green Junction to Brieley Hill (3.5 miles / 5.6km)

Cycle along the Birmingham Main Line and turn left to travel down the Netherton Branch and along the Netherton Tunnel. This will lead you right, onto the Dudley No. 2 Canal briefly before arriving at Brierley Hill.

Easting: 392210, Northing: 287077

11. End

End point, cycling route: Exploring Black Country canals

Easting: 394620, Northing: 290730